U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar is pleased to announce the summer 2021 Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders Program on Women’s Leadership. Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are intensive short-term academic programs whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.

The five-week program will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.  The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community.  During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom.  If it is necessary and possible to conduct the institute remotely, participants will engage in the similar activities, but in a truncated virtual format from their home countries.

The program will also examine the historical domestic progress towards women’s equality in the United States, the current domestic successes and challenges to women in a variety of fields, and current challenges in global women’s issues.  If conducted in-person, the academic residency may be complemented by an educational tour that will take participants to another area of the United States.  Throughout the institute participants will meet with women leaders in various sectors such as public management, business and entrepreneurship, and non-profit organizations, as well as local women’s organizations. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• be Mongolian citizens who identify as women currently living in Mongolia, between 18 and 25 years of age;
• be proficient in English;
• be interested in the topic of Women’s Leadership;
• have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and therefore be committed to return to their home universities following completion of the program;
• demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities;
• indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
• have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• demonstrate commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;
• have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;
• be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and,
• if the program is conducted in-person, be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country; and
• If the program is conducted virtually, be prepared for virtual training, having access to the internet.  Participants may seek help to facilitate such access if needed.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Mongolia.